After announcing on September 13 the final stop of the Asian Tour would be coming to the UAE, at a new tournament to be called the Dubai Open, organisers announced on Tuesday the tournament would be played at the Els Club Dubai.
The tournament, to be held December 18-21, will become the third major offering on Dubai’s golf calendar, after the European Tour’s two events. The DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 20-23, is the season-ending tournament on the European Tour, as well.
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The Dubai Open will be the first professional tournament to be held at the Els Club, which opened in 2008 and becomes one of three Els Design courses to host a pro event.
The tournament also represents the Asian Tour’s first expansion into the Arabian Gulf region.
“I’ve played in Asia for many years and can tell you from experience that a lot of talented players are coming through,” Ernie Els said in a press release.
“We all recognise that Asia is one of the game’s biggest growth areas and the addition of events like the Dubai Open will only help accelerate that growth.
“The Dubai Open will also be fantastic for the Mena Golf Tour’s best young golfers as it gives them a platform to showcase their talents and get the world of golf to notice their progress since 2011.”
The 18-hole, par-72 Els course covers 7,538 yards and lies within the sprawling Dubai Sports City complex.
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